Door County 2009 Visitor Guide - (Page 55) ROCK ISLAND © Jon Jarosh THE WILDERNESS by Heather Steinberger BELLA SAILING CRUISES ith so much to see and do, it’s easy to forget that this rugged land once was wilderness — and thanks to preservation efforts, visitors may still experience Door County’s wild side. Newport State Park, nestled along 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline at the peninsula’s northeast tip, is Wisconsin’s only formally designated wilderness park. Once home to a bustling 19th century lumber and fishing community, the park’s 2,373 acres now boast verdant forests, wetlands and upland meadows. As a wilderness park, development here is minimal. No man-made structures exist other than the interpretive center and a picnic shelter, and there are no amenities or roads beyond the picnic area. Instead, the park has 38.3 miles of hiking trails; 16.8 are open to mountain bikes. In the winter 26.3 miles are available for cross-country skiing, including 12.5 miles dedicated to classical skiing, 2 miles for skate skiing and 4.5 miles for snowshoeing. W Newport also has 16 year-round backcountry camping sites, 13 of which may be reserved are within reach of Lake Michigan, Rowleys Bay or inland Europe Lake. Although it is not an officially designated wilderness area, Rock Island State Park is unique among Wisconsin parks. This primitive island lies off the northeast coast of Washington Island, with no roads, cars or even bicycles to disturb its heavily wooded 912 acres. Daytrippers or backpackers arriving via ferry must hike to their destinations, whether they seek the campground, the remote backcountry sites, 5,000 feet of swimming beach along the island’s south shore, the restored 1836 Pottawatomie Lighthouse or the sites of the island’s historic Native American settlements, erstwhile fishing village and settlers’ cemeteries. For those who choose to stay overnight, Rock Island has 10 miles of hiking trails and 40 campsites, all of which may be reserved. At the ferry dock area, campers may purchase firewood and obtain drinking water. Here, too, they may explore the stone buildings — which now contain exhibits — built by wealthy Icelandic inventor Chester H. Thordarson, who owned the island between 1910 and 1945. Downtown Ephraim’s classic two-hour sailboat ride departs from the South Shore Pier three times during the day, Memorial Day through mid-October. Also offering a romantic sunset cruise daily. View majestic Eagle Harbor, including picturesque islands, bluffs, and bays. Tom Schroeder captains your relaxing cruise. Affordable, fun, and safe for all ages. See us under sailboat rides at doorcounty.com. CONTACT INFORMATION For More Info Call: (920) 854-2628 Bella Sailing Cruises Located on South Shore Pier 9993 Water St, Ephraim, WI 54211 DOOR COUNTY TROLLEY 4 Door County Trolley Tours to choose from. 1) “Scenic Narrated Tour” – See the breathtaking vistas from Door County’s scenic bluffs. 2) “Lighthouse Trolley Tour” – Tour 4 Lighthouses/Scenic Lunch. 3) “Ghost Tours of Door County” – Share tales of ghostly sunken ships, haunted lighthouses, and mysterious happenings. 4) “Premier Wine Tour of Door County” – Experience a VIP tour of 4 exclusive wineries. Book the trolley for your weddings or family reunions. CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: (920) 868-1100 Web: www.doorcountytrolley.com Email: ride@doorcountytrolley.com Door County Trolley 9197 Highway 42 • Fish Creek, WI 54212 Village Color Key: Baileys Harbor Carlsville Egg Harbor Ellison Bay, Gills Rock, Rowleys Bay Ephraim Fish Creek Jacksonport Sister Bay Southern Door Sturgeon Bay Washington Island Multiple Locations D o o r C o u n t y. c o m 55 RECREATION http://www.DoorCounty.com http://www.doorcountytrolley.com http://www.doorcountytrolley.com http://www.DoorCounty.com
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